Paul Mitchell Crowns America's "Next Top Photo Stylists"

Three talented future professionals from the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell Schools have been named "Next Top Photo Stylist" by Paul Mitchell Editorial Director Lucie Doughty and a panel of distinguished judges.

Elizabeth Ankenman from Paul Mitchell The School St. George; Erik McEwen from Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks; and Heather Burnworth of Paul Mitchell The School Salt Lake City were named winners in the recent competition, which drew over 130 entries. The three winners will travel to Los Angeles in January for a two-day photo shoot with Paul Mitchell Editorial Director Lucie Doughty. Each winner will shoot one model with three separate style looks.

All of the hopeful contestants set up their own photo shoots, which included selecting models and photographers and designing and executing the wardrobe, hair, and make-up. Each contestant submitted photos for five out of seven categories, including texture, avante garde, contemporary classic, color, cutting, male, and long hair upstyle.

"The entries were such a high standard," Lucie said, "I was just amazed by the creativity and technical ability. The quality of the styling and their ability to do color and translate trends and techniques were really fantastic. It was tough picking the winners because so many were good. They all should be really proud of what they submitted."

Lucie, who has put together countless winning photo shoots for the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) and numerous other competitions said, "Competing gets you thinking about your craft, how you can perfect your work and put your inspirations and ideas together as a story. Whether you're doing a fashion show or photo shoot, or putting together a portfolio, it's a demonstration of your work and creativity. There's a lot of value in entering a contest like this one, and it's something that all future and salon professionals should do an ongoing basis. It keeps you inspired and pushing for the next level."

Eric McEwen-Texture	Eric McEwen-Contemporary Classic
Heather Burnworth-Avant Garde	Heather Burnworth-Texture
Elizabeth Ankenman-Contemporary Classic	Elizabeth Ankenman-Avant Garde